HB 168-LAND TRANSFERS ALASKA RR & DOTPF 3:05:17 PM CHAIR OLSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 168, "An Act authorizing two exchanges of land between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and providing for an effective date." DAVID SCOTT, Staff to Representative Kyle Johansen, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, explained that HB 168 authorizes two exchanges of land between the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) and the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOTPF). This would accommodate two DOTPF projects: the Parks Highway Improvement Project and the Fairbanks International Airport Heavy Aircraft Cargo Apron. Section 1 of HB 168 applies to the Parks Highway Improvement Project, while Section 2 applies to the Fairbanks International Airport Heavy Aircraft Cargo Apron. He explained that AS 42.40.285 requires legislative approval for the ARRC to "exchange, donate, sell, or otherwise convey its entire interest in land". He noted that representatives from the AARC and the DOTPF would be available to answer any questions. 3:07:08 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER commented that the bill seems straightforward and asked whether there has been any objection. MR. SCOTT replied no. 3:08:22 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER moved to report HB 168 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. 3:08:33 PM REPRESENTATIVE GATTO objected for discussion purposes. He asked if the railroad in Wasilla was previously relocated. MR. SCOTT replied yes. REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked for clarification as to what HB 168 would do. 3:09:19 PM FRANCES ZIMMERMAN, Right of Way Agent, Right of Way Section, Central Region, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOTPF), agreed that the tracks were relocated as a part of the Parks Highway Improvement Project. She explained that HB 168 is a title transfer, which the ARRC is unable to do without legislative action. In response to an additional question, she stated that the DOTPF normally enters into temporary construction permits in order to move forward with the construction of the projects. Timelines rarely allow for the required legislation to pass prior to commencing the project. REPRESENTATIVE GATTO removed his objection. CHAIR OLSON noted that there was no further objection. Therefore, HB 168 was reported from the House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee. The committee took an at-ease from 3:11 PM to 3:12 PM.